15 Shows Like Gilmore Girls: The Ultimate List for Fans of Small-Town Charm

Nothing is better than coming home after a long day, cozying up under the blankets, slipping into a “Safe, Kind, & Hot” sweatshirt, and diving back into your favorite feel-good show. We all have that one comfort series, and for SO many of us, it’s “Gilmore Girls!” The witty banter, lovable small-town vibe, and deep, tear-jerking moments we can’t get enough of it. 

We know that if you’re a “Gilmore Girls” fan at all, you’re die-hard and trust us, we get it! It will forever reign supreme in the cozy-show department. But, what if we told you there are tons of similar series out there just waiting for you to watch them?

If you’re looking for more shows that have that cozy, easygoing vibe, pour yourself a cup of nostalgia and settle in. Today, we’re sharing a list of shows like “Gilmore Girls” that will have you HOOKED from the first episode. 

15 Shows Like Gilmore Girls: The Ultimate List for Fans of Small-Town Charm

Maybe you’re one of the few who hasn’t yet stepped into the magical world of Stars Hollow, or you’re a first-day fan who just needs a little refresher. Either way, we’ll take a quick stroll down memory lane and revisit what “Gilmore Girls” is all about. This will help set the stage for what’s to come so we can really get you excited about these new must-watch shows. 

What Is Gilmore Girls About?

“Gilmore Girls” centers around Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter, Rory, living in the quirky, cozy, tight-knit town of Stars Hollow. With Lorelai having Rory at just 16 years old, we’re introduced to their incredibly close bond right off the bat. 

At its core, the series follows the lives of Lorelai and Rory as they navigate family, love, personal growth, and super relatable scenarios. Lorelai, who comes from a wealthy family, leaves the privileged life behind to raise Rory on her own terms even though her parents want her to return to their snooty, high-society world. 

On the other hand, Rory is a studious and ambitious teenager with big dreams of attending an Ivy League school. We peek into her typical teenage life as she balances high school, college admission anxiety, tough decision-making, and a tricky love triangle that kept us on the edge of our seats.  

As much as we’re obsessed with Lorelai and Rory, the show wouldn’t be the same without tons of other lovable characters. We have Luke, the sarcastic diner owner; Suki, the loyal best friend; Kirk, the oddball who does it all the show is full of big personalities that make it truly special. 

With relatable characters, heartwarming moments, and hilarious back-and-forth banter, “Gilmore Girls” strikes a perfect balance that we just can’t get enough of. Ready to see what other shows will give you that same cozy, feel-good vibe? Let’s dive in!

Shows Similar To Gilmore Girls

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life

Where to watch: Netflix

Of course, we couldn’t complete this list without mentioning the much anticipated revival of the original series. Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel are back for “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.” And it’s exactly what you’d want from a “Gilmore Girls” revival the comedic timing, tearjerking heart-to-hearts, and a deep dive into Rory’s evolving relationship with her mother. 

And, without giving anything away, there’s a huge, jaw-dropping moment at the end of this spinoff that we’re STILL waiting on answers about. Doesn’t that make you want to watch it even more?!?

Ginny & Georgia 

Where to watch: Netflix

“Ginny & Georgia” follows free-spirited mom Georgia (Brianne Howey) as she tries to give her mature but emotionally complex daughter Ginny (Antonia Gentry) a stable life after moving from town to town. 

Except… Georgia’s past starts popping up and flips things upside down. It features that same fast-paced dialogue and mother-daughter dynamic we love about “Gilmore Girls,” but it dives deeper into modern topics and darker themes. Tune in to see what the hype is about ASAP; the new season comes out this summer! 

And, once you’re done binge watching, check out this episode of Not Skinny Not Fat with show creator, Sarah Lampert!

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Creator Amy Sherman-Palladino (yep, the same mastermind behind “Gilmore Girls”) made another must-watch series for us to obsess over, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” This show follows Miriam “Midge” Maisel (Rachel Brosnahan), a 1950s housewife who turns her life upside down when she decides to become a stand-up comedian. 

Since this series shares the same creator as “Gilmore Girls,” you’ll see a lot of the same witty dialogue and complex family dynamics, except “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” features more romance, comedy, and a stronger focus on career. We know you’ll love it. 

Hart of Dixie

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

If you adore the small-town charm of Stars Hollow, “Hart of Dixie” is right up your alley. When big-city doctor Zoe Hart (played by Rachel Bilson of The O.C. fame) gets an offer to work as a general practitioner, she leaves New York for the small town of Bluebell, Alabama. 

It wasn’t until Zoe got to Bluebell that she realized that the doctor who offered her the job had died and left half of his practice to her. As big of an adjustment as it is, Zoe discovers that she loves the small-town life more than she thought. The mix of humor, romance, and drama will give you all those “Gilmore Girls” vibes. 

Virgin River

Where to watch: Netflix

Nurse practitioner Melinda wants a fresh start to her life after a recent tragedy, so she picks up and moves from Los Angeles to remote Virgin River, California. After she meets local bar owner Jack Sheridan (Luke/Lorelai vibes, anyone?), we get a story full of romance, drama, and deep emotional connection. 

Similar to “Gilmore Girls,” the show features a picturesque backdrop and tight-knit community, but with even more drama and deeper emotional struggles. It’s a show that will keep you on your toes alllll the way through. 

Everwood 

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

Fair warning: You’ll wanna get your tissues out for this one. After losing his wife, brain surgeon Dr. Andrew Brown leaves behind his upscale Manhattan life and moves his family and his practice to the small town of Everwood, Colorado. 

Like “Gilmore Girls,” “Everwood” introduces a close community where everyone knows everyone. Although this series has more of a medical drama element, it still follows a close-knit family and is filled with quirky, heartfelt characters that we can’t get enough of. 

Chesapeake Shores

Where to watch: Peacock, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

Single mother, Abby O’Brien, moved out of Chesapeake Shores to New York City to further her career. However, when she decides to take a trip home with her twins and runs into some ghosts from her past, she suddenly wonders if she made a mistake leaving home. 

Another small-town setting emphasizing familial relationships, this series dives deeper as we watch Abby try to find her way through her career, love life, and being a self-reliant single mother. She’s giving total Lorelai vibes and it’s everything we wanted and more. 

Sweet Magnolias 

Where to watch: Netflix 

If you loved Sookie and Lorelai’s friendship, you’ll love “Sweet Magnolias.” This feel-good drama follows three best friends Maddie, Helen, and Dana Sue as they navigate life’s challenges together. 

It’s not as lighthearted as Gilmore Girls, but it features a lot of real-life sh*t that you’ll probably relate to. Divorce, past trauma, forgiveness, and the support of a community. Plus, who doesn’t love a small-knit Southern atmosphere? 

If you do relate to topics like this, you NEED to check out these podcast episodes from our favorite creators: 

• We Listen and We DO Judge – Almost Adulting
• Regulating your nervous system, somatic healing & dealing with trauma – Transform
• Improve & Change Your Life Using Forgiveness, Perspective, Resilience, Gratitude, and Love – Him & Her Show

One Tree Hill

Where to watch: Hulu, Max, Disney+

We’ve mentioned One Tree Hill in our posts about Shows Like The OC and Gossip Girl, but it also has the same vibe as Gilmore Girls! It’s clearly a little mix of everything (which we love). 

Set in small town North Carolina, the show follows brothers and high school basketball stars Nathan and Lucas who are constantly pitted against each other by their dad. Over the course of the show, we see their complicated relationship unfold as they navigate sibling rivalry, family drama, love, and personal growth. We promise it’s a show you won’t be able to hit pause on!

Younger

Where to watch: Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video

Single mom Liza Miller is a recently divorced 40-year-old living in New York City and struggling to start her publishing career. After being mistaken for someone younger by a 26-year-old, Liza decides to run with it and lies about her age to get a job.

While not exactly that strong mother-daughter bond, the show does feature some really strong female friendships. It’s a more straightforward comedy than the quick-wit banter of ‘Gilmore Girls,” but we just know Liza and Lorelai would get along great. 

Bunheads

Where to watch: Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+

This show only has one season (we know, we were sad, too), BUT it was co-created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, so we had to include it as a must-watch! 

Michelle, a former professional dancer, moved to Las Vegas where she channeled her talent to become a showgirl. After spontaneously marrying a small-town California man, she moved home with him and ended up working with her new mother-in-law at her dance studio. 

If you have any doubts, it’s surprisingly super heartwarming! And thanks to Amy Sherman-Palladino, we get some of the same wit, banter, and clever storylines that we loved in “Gilmore Girls.” 

Dawson’s Creek

Where to watch: Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+

If “Gilmore Girls” had a little more drama and tackled some heavier topics, it would be “Dawson’s Creek.” In small-town Capeside, Massachusetts, we’re introduced to four friends Dawson, Joey, Pacey, and Jennifer who grow with each other through various life stages. 

It doesn’t just have the same coming-of-age theme as “Gilmore Girls”; it also offers its fair share of romantic drama and complicated relationships. It’s one of the most successful teen dramas for a reason!

Parenthood

Where to watch: Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+

If you’ve finished “Gilmore Girls” and are desperately missing Lorelai, good news! Lauren Graham claims a new role as Sarah Braverman in “Parenthood,” a show that follows a multi-generational family that shares all the good and the bad of a classic family dynamic. 

Even though Sarah is no Lorelai, they have similar family-centered stories emphasizing an important mother-daughter relationship. Plus, Lauren Graham kinda brought Lorelai’s spirit into Sarah with the lighthearted humor. You’ll just have to watch for yourself to see!

Schitt’s Creek

Where to watch: Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+

From living large to scraping by, “Schitt’s Creek” focuses on a family who went from excessively rich to absolutely broke overnight. Instead of being kicked out on the street, the family moves into a small-town motel they once bought as a joke. 

It’s a little less sentimental than “Gilmore Girls,” but the show’s humor makes up for it. Plus, you’ll probably find a ton of similarities between Emily from GG and Moira from “Schitt’s Creek.” If you’re not convinced yet, this series won NINE Emmy Awards. Yeah, it’s that good.  

Jane the Virgin

Where to watch: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video

If you love the generational relationships in “Gilmore Girls,” you’ll love “Jane the Virgin” as it follows the relationships between Jane, her mother, and her grandmother. 

The series has the same drama, humor, and heart we know and love. And, while “Jane the Virgin” is said to be more of a soap-opera-y type of series, we all know that “Gilmore Girls” had its own share of similarly dramatic moments.“ Trust us, you’ll love the Villanueva women just as much as the Gilmores. 

There are tons of other cozy, feel-good shows like Gilmore Girls! Which are you turning on first?

As much as we love rewatching “Gilmore Girls” over and over (and over and over) again, we love finding different shows with a similar vibe just as much. Each series has its unique theme, storyline, and interesting set of characters, but they all have one thing in common: they’re all cozy comfort shows that you can’t help but fall in love with. 

Check out the Dear Media blog for more series recs, as well as advice on anything from health and wellness to love because let’s be honest, if the Gilmore girls had some of this, they might have saved themselves from a few relationship dramas!. And, don’t forget to check out the DM shop for tons of must-haves! Like, how can you binge-watch all these new shows and channel your inner Lorelai Gilmore without your “Luckiest Girl” mug full of coffee???